In an exciting clash in the J2 League, FC Imabari secured a much-needed victory against Roasso Kumamoto, marking their first win in three matches. The match, held on May 6, 2025, showcased Imabari's solid defensive strategy coupled with aggressive offensive plays, allowing them to extend their unbeaten streak to an impressive 13 games.
FC Imabari entered the match with renewed confidence following a thrilling draw against last year's J1 champions, Grampus, where they scored three goals in just nine minutes. This momentum carried into their encounter with Kumamoto, as Imabari made strategic changes to their lineup, swapping out four starters while still maintaining control over both offense and defense.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute of the first half when Yamada intercepted a ball in midfield, setting off a swift counterattack. He passed to Yokoyama, who then delivered a precise cross to Vinicius. Kondo was in the perfect position to finish the play, slotting the ball into the net and giving Imabari the lead.
However, Kumamoto wasn’t going to back down easily. Just before the halftime whistle, they nearly equalized when Matsuoka unleashed a powerful long-range shot. But Imabari's goalkeeper, Tatsukawa, came up big, making a crucial save to maintain their lead heading into the break.
The second half saw both teams pushing for goals, but Imabari's defense held firm, with Tatsukawa making another key save in the 57th minute to deny Kumamoto a scoring opportunity. As the match progressed, Imabari continued to threaten, with Kondo and Vinicius both taking shots in the latter stages of the game, but they were unable to find the back of the net again.
Despite the missed opportunities, Imabari's defense was relentless, achieving their seventh clean sheet of the season. This strong performance allowed them to take home all three points, vital for their position in the league.
After the match, Imabari's head coach praised the team's effort, stating, "The players showed great resilience and determination today. It’s crucial for us to keep building on this momentum as we move forward in the season." The victory solidified Imabari's place in the top tier of the J2 League, keeping them in fourth position on the leaderboard despite the win.
In a separate event on the same day, Roasso Kumamoto hosted the 'Roasso Kids Work Experience,' where six elementary school students participated in various roles during the home game. Selected through a pre-event application process, these young fans had the opportunity to engage with the match in a unique way.
Two of the students took on roles as sales staff at the merchandise corner, where they interacted with fans and handled transactions. A fourth-grade student enthusiastically shared, "I handled payments for customers at the register. It was fun!" Meanwhile, a sixth grader noted, "I was able to practice using words that I don't usually use," highlighting the educational aspect of the experience.
Additionally, the children were given the chance to make in-stadium announcements from a room overlooking the pitch, a task that brought both excitement and nerves. They rose to the occasion, showcasing their skills in front of the crowd.
This initiative not only provided a memorable experience for the young participants but also fostered a sense of community and engagement within the Kumamoto fanbase. As the club continues to build its identity in the J2 League, events like this are crucial in nurturing the next generation of supporters.
As FC Imabari looks ahead to their next match, they will aim to maintain their strong form and push for a higher ranking in the league. The team's performance against Kumamoto has set a positive tone, and fans are eager to see if they can continue their unbeaten streak in the upcoming fixtures.
The J2 League season is heating up, and with teams like FC Imabari showing resilience and skill, the competition promises to be thrilling as it progresses. Fans are advised to stay tuned as the action unfolds and the battle for promotion intensifies.